Astronaut Captures Rare 'Sprite' Phenomenon from International Space Station
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An astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has captured a stunning and rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a 'sprite' hovering above a thunderstorm. These elusive electrical discharges, which occur high above thunderstorms, are rarely observed due to their fleeting nature and the difficulty of capturing them from the ground. The image, shared by the European Space Agency (ESA), showcases the vibrant red tendrils of the sprite stretching into the upper atmosphere. Sprites are a type of transient luminous event (TLE) and are caused by intense lightning activity below. Scientists study these phenomena to better understand Earth's atmospheric electricity and its interactions with space weather. The ISS's unique vantage point provides an exceptional opportunity to document such events, contributing valuable data for ongoing research.
